Family spirit pushes pupils’ swing project

Two pupils at Queenstown’s Shotover Primary School have got right into the swing of fundraising.

A project led by year 8 pupils Emersyn Wheeler, 13, and Olivia Hancox, 12, involved fundraising to get an accessible swing installed in the school’s playground.

For Emersyn, the initiative to work towards getting the swing installed had a personal touch — her younger cousin and fellow pupil Levi Vallance, 8, has physical limitations.

These make it difficult for him to play in the playground during break times.

The girls said it was really important to them to make sure everyone felt included.

They spread awareness about their idea when they organised a duathlon which raised $19,000 towards installing the swing set into the school’s playground.

With help from the Ministry of Education and Community Trust Southland, the accessible swing set was installed over the summer holidays.

Southland MP Joseph Mooney recognised the girls’ efforts by attending the ribbon-cutting at the school yesterday.

"Most adults would find it challenging to accomplish something of this scale.

"For the two girls to do it at their age is truly admirable," Mr Mooney said.

He acknowledged the heart-warming nature of the achievement and Emersyn’s family connection.

The two pupils said it felt great to see Levi and other pupils enjoying what they worked hard for.

olivia.judd@odt.co.nz